Mitch Marner Reportedly Set To Test Free Agency Following Career Year For The Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are playing very well this season, and as a result of some injury issues to Auston Matthews, it's Mitch Marner that's stepped up in his place, putting him on pace for a career high season with 16 goals and 71 points in 56 games played thus far.

This is very convenient timing for Marner, who is set to hit free agency in the summer, and with the only other major star on the market potentially being Mikko Rantanen, he could be in line to get a major payday.

In his latest report, TSN's Darren Dreger has all but confirmed Marner will indeed test free agency this summer, despite some speculation that the 27-year old would re-sign with his hometown Maple Leafs before getting to free agency.

While there's a solid chance that Marner could indeed return to Toronto, given the rising salary cap, if he can hit the open market and get teams in a bidding war for his signature, it's safe to say that he could become one of the highest paid wingers in the NHL.

Ultimately, this is a case of fantastic timing for Marner, whose career year has shown everyone just how productive he can be at his very best, and with his prime years still ahead of him, if the right situation presents itself with the right amount of money, Marner may depart Toronto and become the star that many know he truly can be.